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Neeraj Chopra breaks silence after Arshad Nadeem declines invite to India

News Desk

Apr 25

India’s Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra has expressed his strong sentiments after coming under fire for inviting Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem to take part in the first-ever Neeraj Chopra Classic, scheduled for 24 May in Bengaluru.

 

 

Chopra, who typically prefers actions over words, shared a statement, noting, “When my devotion to my country and my family’s dignity are questioned, I cannot remain quiet.” He emphasised that his invitation to Arshad was solely a sign of sportsmanship — one athlete welcoming another to honour the competitive spirit.

 

 

“There has been an overwhelming amount of discussion about my choice,” Neeraj wrote, clarifying that the invitation was made days prior to the tragic terrorist incident in Pahalgam that shocked the nation. 

 

 

In the meantime, reports have confirmed that Arshad Nadeem has graciously turned down Chopra’s invitation. Arshad expressed gratitude to Neeraj for the kind offer but explained that his busy training schedule and preparations for the Asian Athletics Championships, which commence on 27 May in South Korea, made it unfeasible for him to attend.

 

 

However, as the situation escalated between the two countries, Neeraj said things turned ugly. Hate messages flooded in. Trolls didn’t just stop at him, but targeted his family as well. “They haven’t even left my mother out of it,” he wrote, visibly pained.

 

 

What appears to have affected him the most isn’t the cancellation of the event, it’s being labelled as anti-state. “For years, I have carried my country with pride,” he expressed. “It pains me to see my character questioned. Just because I’m not vocal doesn’t imply I don’t have feelings.” 

 

 

He also criticised the rapid shifts in public sentiment, recalling how his mother made a harmless comment that was once celebrated but is now being manipulated against her.
 

 

Neeraj concluded with a strong vow: to exert more effort than ever so that the world remembers India for positive reasons. “We are simple people,” he stated. “Don't misrepresent us.”

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